Richard Pither, from Diss, set off on the four day adventure to raise money for the charity Village Water, which provides safe water, sanitation and hygiene for Zambia and Mozambique.

He explained that he became involved with Village Water through his membership of Diss Rotary Club and he has since become a trustee, with the £1,000 raised from the cycle ride going to the charity’s Well Good Appeal, which aims to provide the two African countries with drinking water and a safe place to go to the toilet.

Village Water has been helping communities in Zambia for the last ten years and is now looking to develop projects in Mozambique.

The eight strong group of cyclists, which included staff from the charity, set off from Tower Bridge in London on July 30 and cycled an initial 85 miles to Folkestone to catch the Eurotunnel Shuttle to France before cycling a further 149 miles from Dieppe to get to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Mr Pither added: “We did not cycle back as had achieved our objective. I was pleased to have made it, although it was tough on 72-year-old legs.”

Of the charity, he said: “We have got a good reputation in Zambia and we felt that it was time to replicate what we were doing in Zambia in another country.”

Until October 29 every £1 donated, including Mr Pither’s sponsorship, will be doubled by the UK government, meaning the charity will be able to reach twice as many people.

He encouraged people to donate because £25 could change a life and with the government’s contribution on top, that figure would be doubled.

To donate, visit www.villagewater.org/donate or phone 01743 241563.

Do you have a charity event planned? Email dominic.bareham@archant.co.uk.